Xavier honors 19 seniors commissioned as second lieutenants in the annual ROTC ceremony

U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Garrett, a 1984 Xavier alumnus, addressed the cadets | May 11, 2010

Xavier's Army Reserve Officer Training Corps honored 19 graduating seniors at the 74th Annual Commissioning Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, in the Schiff Family Conference Center Ballroom. Guest speaker Brigadier General Michael Xavier Garrett, Class of 1984, is the current Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Recruiting Command.

The seniors were comissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army. Two are attending law school after graduation and will start active duty as attorneys in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Two of the students are graduating from Miami University.

In his speech to the young officers, Garrett recounted his days at Xavier and reminded them that they have only one change to make a first impression.

"Many of you will doubt your ability to lead when you see grizzled older veterans and young 22-year olds," Garrett said. "But consider what can you contribute your first day on the job. Don't be afraid of who you are or to be honest with the men and women you lead. You have one chance to make a first impression, so make that first impression what you want it to be."

The Xavier Army ROTC program has been a part of Xavier since 1936. Once mandatory for all freshmen and sophomores, the program is a college elective that leads to a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and normally includes an academic scholarship. Xavier's program also accepts students from Miami University, Northern Kentucky University, the College of Mt. St. Joseph and Thomas More College.

For more information about Xavier's Army ROTC program, contact Lieutentant Colonel Shane Ousey at 513-745-3646.